Some subjects can really be a headache for students. Even the most devoted need help sometimes, and at those times they can turn to The Tutoring Club for extra help.
Clarkston residents Ken and Becky Ermer opened a branch of the California-based franchise on Sashabaw Road in August, just one month after moving to the area themselves from Utica.
The couple lived in Michigan at during the 80’s before moving to Alabama. When they returned to Michigan to be near family, Ken said he attended a presentation on franchising and had the idea of opening a Tutoring Club suggested to him.
‘We’ve been interested in seeing people improve their educational ability, which I consider, today, a very important thing in the fact that we’re into a global economy. We have competition from all over the world,? Ken said. ‘My wife and I are very interested in giving 110 percent to see the satisfaction of these students and improve their skill levels.?
After deciding to open a franchise, the Ermers began looking for an ideal area to set up shop, and their search lead them to Clarkston. The franchise is one of three in Michigan, the others being in Grand Rapids and Commerce Township.
K-12 students can sign up for tutoring sessions through the club’s specialized reading, writing or arithmetic programs. The center also offers high school students prepatory materials for college entrance exams.
Students new to the club first take a diagnostics test to determine their skill levels. These results dictate what lesson plans would be appropriate for them. Once evaluated, students are then started on their lesson plans, which Ken said takes about 32 hours of tutoring sessions to complete.
‘We say that we’re able to advance a student one academic grade level in a 32-hour tutoring period,? Ken said.
He added that the hours can be broken up over the span of several weeks, depending on what the parents and students choose for scheduling.
‘The lesson plans would be directed toward the student as an individual,? said Ken. ‘That lesson plan goes as fast or as slow as the individual goes.?
The sessions are taught by part-time tutors, which Ken said consist mostly of certified educators looking for a part-time job or retired teachers.
In addition to the specialized lessons for K-12 students, Ken said the club offers support on the high school and college level in areas like algebra and geometry. He added that, in time, the range could expand further
‘If we have a demand, we would come up with some resources for any type of special class’that we could do for adults,? Ken said.
The Ermers contacted local schools to let them know they are available. So far, the Ermers said the community’s reception has been good.
‘I think we’ve been very fortunate,? said Ken. ‘We’ve had a lot of positive people stop in and get information. The chamber of commerce has treated us real well,? said Ken.
Becky added that they joined the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce immediately because the group is beneficial for getting to know the surrounding community.
‘We are interested in the local community. That’s what our business is for, that’s what it’s about,? Ken said.’Our interest is to supplement the school, to help students increase their skills level. We’re here as a supplement to what the schools? goals and accomplishments should be.?
The Ermers said they work well together because their strengths are in different areas.
Before coming back to Michigan, Ken worked as a consultant at Auburn University in Alabama for eight years. Becky worked as a pampered chef consultant for the last ten years, and before that worked as an administrative assistant in Indiana.
The Tutoring Club is located at 6325 G Sashabaw Road, and is open Monday through Thursday, 1-8 p.m., with tutoring sessions beginning at 3 p.m. For more information, call 248-620-4600 or visit www.tutoringclub.com